Frequently Asked Questions

In consideration of our patient’s privacy and comfort, we recommend visiting from 8 am until 8 pm. Please call in advance for after-hours visits to ensure access.

Will Medicare cover my stay in the facility?

Medicare coverage is complex and is better discussed during the admissions process.

How often does the rehabilitation staff work with patients/residents?

Rehab services are available 7 days a week per your physician’s orders. Your rehab director can inform you of the rehabilitation program designed for your loved one.

Is there internet access?

Wi-Fi Internet is provided for patients and their guests. Please contact our front desk for details.

Do the rooms have telephone access?

There are cordless phones available for all patients at the nurse stations. However, please feel free to bring your own cell phone.

Do the rooms have a television?

Televisions and cable are available for all patient’s rooms. There are also flat screen televisions in common areas for TV viewing.

Which languages are spoken at Antelope Valley?

At Antelope Valley, along with English, we have staff members who speak Spanish, Tagalog, and other languages.

How is the laundry done? Can family members take laundry home?

If a family member or caregiver is going to take care of the laundry at home, please let social services staff know your wishes.

All personal clothing is washed on site in an industrial washing machine at a high temperature. Make sure your loved ones’ clothing is appropriate for washing and drying in these hot temperatures. Avoid bringing clothing that requires cold or warm water, special care, or is subject to damage and fading. All clothing must be labeled. Please label the clothing with the patient’s/resident’s name, NOT the room number or initials. Mark clearly and in large letters on the inside neckline or waistband. All items must be marked including socks, shoes, and other personal items.

What articles of clothing should we bring?

We recommend approximately five changes of clothing and a pair of comfortable rubber-soled shoes. All articles should be washed, clearly labeled with patient’s/resident’s name in permanent ink. We advise that patients/residents do not keep valuable jewelry or large amounts of cash in the facility.

Is there a limit to the number of people who can visit at one time?

Although we do not have a formal policy stating visitation guidelines, we suggest using the common areas of the facility to meet with your loved one. If it is not possible to visit in one of the common areas, we suggest a limit of three people in a patient/resident room at one time.

Is there any private space available to use?

You may reserve the activities lounge for any special events (birthday, holidays, meals) with notice.

How often will a physician or health professional visit?

Physicians generally see patients/residents upon admission and, at a minimum, once every 30 days for long-term care residents and more frequently, as medically necessary, for short-term care patients. However, our nursing professionals are in constant contact with all of the physicians that visit the facility. Some insurance companies require that physicians visit more often. Check with our nursing staff for further information.

Can my loved one receive mail?

Mail is delivered to patients/residents personally on a daily basis except for weekends and holidays.

Consider using our Send a Greeting feature on the website. Just type the recipient’s name and type your message. When it arrives in our email box we will print it and hand deliver it to your loved one.

Is smoking permitted in the facility?

For the safety and welfare of all patients/residents and staff, we are a non-smoking facility. There are designated smoking areas in the outdoor areas.

Where should I park when I come to visit?

There is parking in the facility parking lot. Handicap accessible spaces are designated. Avoid parking in spaces specifically reserved. Please observe all posted city parking signs.

Is there someone who provides haircuts?

Yes, we have beauty and barber shop services available. We also offer manicures and pedicures. Please inquire at the front desk for appointments and prices.

What do we do if we have personnel concerns?

Our primary concern is that your loved one feels comfortable here and that their needs are being met. You should feel secure and at ease with our staff, particularly those providing direct care. If you have any concerns or praise for our staff, please feel free to contact the Administrator, Director of Nursing, or our social services department. They will be able to address any questions you may have.

Who do I talk to about questions in regard to financials, billing, and/or admission paperwork?

Please contact the Business Office for all financial and billing concerns.

The Admissions Coordinator will guide you through the necessary forms required for admission and review the regulations regarding Medicare, Medicaid, and various insurances.

What is the difference between a CNA, LVN, and RN?

A Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) is a health professional who works under the supervision of Registered Nurses (RN’s) and Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVN’s) to provide a wide variety of basic hands-on patient/resident care. CNAs perform basic nursing functions such as personal care, taking vital signs, positioning patients/residents, and ambulation.

An LVN provides basic bedside nursing care to patients/residents under the direction of a physician or registered nurse. Duties within the scope of practice for an LVN typically include but are not limited to, provision of basic hygienic and nursing care; measurement of vital signs; basic patient assessment; documentation; performance of prescribed medical treatments; administration of prescribed medications; and, the performance of non-medicated intravenous therapy and blood withdrawal.

An RN’s duties may include everything a CNA and LVN carry out, in addition to administering an IV, assessment of patients/residents, skin care, and processing doctors’ orders. Furthermore, RN’s typically take on management positions such as the Director of Nursing, who is responsible for all nursing duties in the building.

What is the prevalence of falls in persons 65 years and older?

According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control) in the United States, one of every three adults 65 years old or older falls each year. Falls are the leading cause of injury deaths among people 65 years and older. Of all fall deaths, more than 60% involve people who are 75 years or older. Among older adults, falls are the most common cause of injuries and hospital admissions for trauma. Falls account for 87% of all fractures for people 65 years and older. They are also the second leading cause of spinal cord and brain injury among older adults. According to the CDC, for adults 65 years old or older, 60% of fatal falls happen at home, 30% occur in public places, and 10% occur in healthcare institutions.

Hip Fractures: Of all fractures from falls, hip fractures cause the greatest number of deaths and lead to the most severe health problems. Half of all older adults hospitalized for hip fractures cannot return home or live independently after their injuries.

Factors Related to Falls: Factors that contribute to falls include problems with gait and balance, neurological and musculoskeletal disabilities, psychoactive medication use, dementia and visual impairment.

It is important to note that different patients experience different symptoms. Due to the above-listed conditions, the resident is at risk for falls, may suffer adverse accidents, symptoms, or outcomes that are a result of these conditions.
The family acknowledges that the intimate relationship between the resident and resident family is a critical element in identifying all of the above symptoms.
The facility staff requests that the family report immediately to facility staff all information regarding changes in condition such as (but not limited to) change in appetite, balance, personality, weight, skin condition, etc.